Well, it’s been an emotional rollercoaster this past week. I returned to Gibraltar to visit family and friends only to find myself giggling one moment and crying the next, and so I’ve learned that it’s completely and humanly possible to be happy and sad at the exact same time. Suffice to say, I have returned to Edinburgh with a real need to feed my soul a little tenderness and love.

When it came to questions about my latest writing project, I found it difficult to offer much other than, it’s not historical, which elicited some shocked expressions plus a few raised eyebrows. In truth, I expected that kind of response. It’s quite common to be pigeonholed into a particular ‘genre bracket’ whether it be historical, romance or thriller. Look at poor Ms Rowling having to write a detective thriller under the pen name of Robert Galbraith, and yet still… some readers are unforgiving.

I used to have very mixed views about whether an author known for one particular genre should indulge in another, but I also know that the internal creativity tap does not flow into one story, century, or plot idea, alone. I absolutely believe that if you can create a good story in one genre you are just as capable in another. The talent is in the execution of it.

So, it’s definitely going to be a little more challenging to write a contemporary novel, (which is ironic because historical books require so much more in terms of research,) but alas, I’m testing new waters, developing different cultural ideas aside from those which are distinctively “Victorian,” and… demanding a little faith from my current readers!

But bear with me dear friends – nothing ventured, nothing gained. What I do know is that my story will still have my style, my voice. And what I need to possess the most I always seem to have within me – inner confidence.

It’s time to get on with it.

I’ll be back soon with more news, and I wish you all a great end to the summer!

I’m very proud of my fellow writer and friend, Jodie Crook, who has recently made available her short story GIRL RED. The story was entered into a writing competition which I organised in Gibraltar a few years ago. Girl Red was chosen as the clear winner by Ruth Dugdall, an award-winning author of psychological thriller novels, and one of the judges of the competition. If you aren’t aware of Jodie’s work, she has also just recently published her new ebook Success for Quitters: 5 Mindset methods for Success (Hello CEO Book 1) available on Amazon. I have reviewed the e-book and give it a definite thumbs up. I am also personally touched that Jodie mentioned me in her acknowledgements.

To discover more about Jodie and to feast your eyes on her excellent short story, visit her website. Well done Jodie, keep us all informed of your great work and I wish you many positive blessings and a successful writing career.

I have so much to say to my friends and readers, but I’ve been so busy of late, please forgive me. It’s been a crazy month, but in a good way. Emotions have been high and low, and like anyone else I am affected by praise or otherwise. Let it not be said that life is dull.

I want to share this. I recently sat back to think that I can’t quite believe that I’ve spent nearly ten years wading in the interesting fish pond that is called the writing world. At first, I swam cluelessly, and then with an increasingly hungry desire to push myself into deeper challenges. Along the way I’ve met sharks and I’ve met angelfish. And of course I’ve learnt a great deal from both species.

But….. no matter how many books a writer does or doesn’t sell; no matter whether reviews are glorious or vilifying, no matter whether creativity flows, or is a well that has run dry – the sustaining thing is that a writer will always remember the way a story feels to an appreciative reader. And that is why we do it. (At least that’s why I do it). So we try our very best to reach out and to grab hold of your heart.

Now for the promo bit:

Girl Forgotten has been re-published. Please check it out. Buy it. Review it, or download it from Amazon. I will appreciate every bit of support on this venture.

The three current titles have been re-published under the imprint Charlotte Greene and will be made available to an expanded distribution channel. All three titles will be available in the publisher’s autumn catalogue.

I want to sincerely thank John Morris of Charlotte Greene Publishing, for all his effort, attentive help and support, and of course, having faith in my work (as well as putting up with me!)

I have been so busy these last few days I’ve barely had a moment to blog, so now I’m ready to grab a moment to sit, take a deep breath, and update you on my latest shenanigans.

Well, it’s been an exciting week. Shortly after my interesting excursion to the “Amazon Academy” event, I was given the chance to join a publishing team by the name of Charlotte Greene. After some discussion it looks like a good opportunity for my books which thus far are distributed by Amazon and benefitting from their KDP select agreements. Currently, I am in the middle of looking at the contractual terms of this new proposal which includes having my current three title’s re-published and in the publisher’s catalogue by the Autumn.

As I understand it, ( and I doubt this is an instant procedure) but the doors open to my books being made available in Waterstones, B&N, Blackwells to name a few. Basically, the physical world book shackles and restrictions are off! On the flip side of this deal, I will have to opt out of the Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Edition Normalised Pages Read (KENP) deal that I currently have, and are contributing to my monthly Amazon income.

But alas, I’m all for the excitement of new ventures and as we know when one door shuts, another opens. My books will still be available on Amazon and I will still benefit from those sales whilst the novels are re-published as second editions under the new publisher’s imprint.

Watch this space. I hope to come up for air soon again after the next marathon sprint of paperwork.